1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (158 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (128 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 211 kg more than 1998 Ford Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Cougar. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.3 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1291 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
